C2 AC center dash vent

[James M.]

I have tried numerous times to remove the center AC dash vent on my '66 coupe without success. I need some advice on removing the vent bezel and deflector without destroying something. I have loosened the bezel from the center dash and the deflector rotates freely within the bezel and it seems as though I can pull the bezel/deflector out but the unit seems to be hanging up on something when I move it out about an 1/8 of an inch. I have consulted the AIM and it appears to me that the deflector is installed first into the bezel and then it just rests inside the semi-cylindrical cutout part of the center air duct.

Also, once I remove the deflector, the semi-cylindrical part of the air duct, which is metal on my car, needs cleaning and some slight surface rust removed. I assume that this metal part was never painted. Is that correct? I will greatly appreciate any help.

Jim

[John H.]

Re: C2 AC center dash vent

I have tried numerous times to remove the center AC dash vent on my '66 coupe without success. I need some advice on removing the vent bezel and deflector without destroying something. I have loosened the bezel from the center dash and the deflector rotates freely within the bezel and it seems as though I can pull the bezel/deflector out but the unit seems to be hanging up on something when I move it out about an 1/8 of an inch. I have consulted the AIM and it appears to me that the deflector is installed first into the bezel and then it just rests inside the semi-cylindrical cutout part of the center air duct.

Also, once I remove the deflector, the semi-cylindrical part of the air duct, which is metal on my car, needs cleaning and some slight surface rust removed. I assume that this metal part was never painted. Is that correct? I will greatly appreciate any help.

Jim

Jim -

In order to remove the bezel, you have to first un-bend the tabs that retain it in the hole in the dash panel. See your Assembly Manual, section C60, sheet A3, View "A", where it says, "NOTE: Bend Tabs".

[Curtis M.]

Re: C2 AC center dash vent

Jim,

Forgive me if I misunderstand what you are doing, but it sounds like you are trying to remove it as one unit. I don't believe it will come out that way. I had to remove the deflector first. There are two tiny wire clips on each end of the deflector which hold it in place in the frame of the dash. Once removed you should be able to move the deflector to the side far enough that it will come out of its seat and then slide the other end out. The deflector will not come through the opening in the dash. Once the deflector is out and with the tabs on the bezel bent open, the bezel will slide out towards the cabin.

Curtis

[James M.]

Re: C2 AC center dash vent

John, Thanks for your reply. I am aware of the tabs and I thought that I had bent them sufficiently but I may not have - it's a tough area to work. I will check the tabs out again and bend some more to make sure they are not the problem.
Jim

[James M.]

Re: C2 AC center dash vent

Thanks Curtis.

You are correct that I am trying to remove the two parts as a unit. I will need to inspect everything again. I am aware that there are supposed to be clips holding the deflector in the bezel (or so I thought) but I am not sure how to gain access. I will probe and try to move things around a bit, all the while being anxious about breaking something. Can your method be done without removing the air duct and getting in behind the dash?

Jim

[Curtis M.]

Re: C2 AC center dash vent

Jim,

I don't believe it can. I believe the center duct housing prohibits access. When I restored mine, I had the dash out of the car to replace the wiring harness and restore the dash, so I had easy access.

The deflector sits inside of the bezel so I think I'd continue to explore removing it toward the cabin as one piece. It's the two ears on the deflector which the clips attach to that are giving you your problem I think.

Good Luck
Curtis

[James M.]

Re: C2 AC center dash vent

Thanks Curtis.
I have made progress. One of the three bezel tabs was not sufficiently free, but now all three are free and the bezel/deflector unit moves freely. However, something is stil preventing me from pulling the unit out and I suspect it may be that deflector pivot pins are hanging up on something.

Jim